JNU attack: Delhi Police wrapping up investigation, charge-sheet expected soon
The investigation into the violence, that rocked Jawaharlal Nehru University last month, has entered its final leg and Delhi Police is expected to file a charge-sheet soon. So far, over 100 people have been grilled and more than 200 hours of mobile and CCTV footage examined. But shockingly, police haven't made a single arrest, infuriating students of the premier institute in New Delhi.
Mob stormed inside campus, beat students and teachers
On January 5, a villainous mob, armed with sledgehammers, iron rods and sticks, entered the campus and thrashed students and teachers alike. The rampage went on for almost three hours while police personnel remained stationed outside the campus. Over the last few months, JNU witnessed tensions after the fee was hiked. Students, affiliated to the Left, opposed this while teachers urged to maintain peace.
Nine suspects were served notices by Delhi Police
Days after the incident, Delhi Police issued notices to nine suspects, including Aishe Ghosh, the President of JNU Students' Union who was injured in the attack. Left's Chunchun Kumar, Pankaj Mishra, Waskar Vijay, Sucheta Talukraj, Priya Ranjan and Dolan Sawant were named too. Two members of ABVP, the student wing of RSS, Yogendra Bhardwaj and Vikas Patel were also blamed for orchestrating the attack.
Dozens grilled, but no word on Komal Sharma yet
Though a number of witnesses have been interrogated, Komal Sharma, a member of ABVP, who was seen participating in the violence, is yet to join the investigation. An officer, privy to the development, told HT that charge-sheet could be filed next week, without any student's arrest. "The SIT may not arrest anyone because all accused persons are students," he added.
Members of WhatsApp group were questioned
The SIT investigating the violence has also questioned security guards, teachers, and students in the last couple of weeks. A controversial WhatsApp group, where the violence was purportedly planned, was also examined and 40 of its members questioned. According to TOI, the police questioned the female members of the group at their residences. The chat was also restored to identify more members.
Legal proceedings will start after charge-sheet is filed
Since no CCTV footage was found from the area, police relied on several mobile phone recordings. The cops are also joining the pieces through 14 complaints that they received. Once the charge-sheet is filed, necessary legal action would be taken. Another probe into the role of cops who reached the campus has been completed. The police commissioner will get its report soon.
Students' leader claimed police were "involved" in violence
However, some aren't content with the probe. JNUSU vice-president Saket Moon said cops' laxity showed they were "involved" too. "The police have been caught on camera attacking students in the Jamia library and that's why they have shown this promptness in taking action in the incident. But in JNU's case, they acted like mute spectators and allowed goons to enter our campus," he said.
JNU's committee formed to probe violence has met only once
On a related note, JNU is yet to finish its parallel investigation into the violence. The committee, formed for probe, met only once in all these days, said Registrar Pramod Kumar. "(They) will have a few more meetings before they submit the report," he said.
